Ultraviolet lamp standards and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A lamp standard for mounting in an air handling system composed of a stand having a plurality of channels wherein the channels span along the longitudinal axis of the stand and a plurality of lamp modules positioned over the channels. The lamp modules include a housing, a lamp bulb extending from the housing, and the wiring associated with the lamp modules are positioned within the channels. In use, the lamp standard can be installed within a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system to minimize airborne and/or surface microorganism contaminants. The ultraviolet dosage delivered to the HVAC system can be controlled by varying the number of lamp standards, number of lamp modules coupled to the lamp standards, and spacing between the individual lamp standards.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/417,075, filed on Oct. 7, 2002, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Ultraviolet (UV) light energy has long been used in the disinfection ofwater, surfaces and air. The mechanism of disinfection and the effectsthat UV energy, particularly that in the UVC-germicidal wavelengths, iswell understood. Recently, more UV applications have been made in HVACequipment. HVAC equipment can range from small, stand-alone air cleanersto large commercial and industrial systems for buildings. In largesystems, UV lamps can be mounted on rooftops or in equipment rooms.

Typically, these systems contain an air handling unit (fan), heatingcomponents such as electric coils or heat exchangers, air-conditioningcoils, air filter elements, and the necessary enclosure and duct work tobring building and outside air into the equipment and deliver it back tothe building. UV light can then be applied at several locations withinthis HVAC system. Common locations may be near the filters, nearsurfaces which may harbor mold and bacteria, near air-conditioningcoils, near drain pans and possibly in a cross-section of the duct todisinfect the moving air stream.

Depending upon the application, the UV lamp fixtures can be mountedindividually within the system or exterior to the ductwork incorporatingfixtures that have the lamp itself protruding into the ductwork. Also,in some applications, the ballasts that power the lamps can be locatedwithin the duct and enclosed in a fixture. In many applications, theballasts can be located external to the duct and connected to the lampsvia wiring and conduit. Installations of these UV lamps are oftencomplex and costly because the lamp fixtures typically requireindividual mounting and a separate supporting frame structure. Wiringthese lamps can also be complex and costly as each lamp or lamp fixturevia wire and conduit to operate. In addition, complex framework andfixture mounting can partially block the air paths that can contributeto loss of airflow and pressure drop.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are directed to lamp standardsthat may be fixed within an HVAC system. According to one exemplaryembodiment, the lamp standard is composed of a stand body that may haveone or more lamp modules mounted thereon. The channels span the lengthof the lamp standard, which allow the lamp modules to be mounted at anypoint on the stand body. The stand body includes a plurality of channelsthat is sized to house the wiring associated with the lamp modules. Morespecifically, the base of the lamp module and the walls of the channelsdefine an enclosed space that house the wiring associated with the lampmodules and ballasts. Accordingly, this enclosed space protects thewriting from the harmful effects of the UV light emitted from the lampbulbs.

In another exemplary embodiment, the lamp standard is composed of astand body having a first body shell and a second body shell. The firstand second body shells may be coupled together to define an enclosure.Within the enclosure, the lamp modules and the power modules may behoused therein. The body shells also include a plurality of openingsthat are sized to allow the lamp bulbs associated with the lamp modulesto extend away from the lamp standard. The wiring associated with thelamp modules and ballasts are contained within the enclosure of the lampstandard.

Accordingly, the various embodiments of the lamp standard provides ameans of providing UV lamps within a heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) system. The lamp standards have a generally lowprofile thereby minimizing airflow blockage. Also, the lamp standardsare modular and can be adapted for various applications requiringdiffering UV dosages for a given area. Futhermore, by providing anenclosure within the lamp standard, the wiring associated with the lampstandard may be protected from the harmful effects of UV light andradiation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a lamp standard;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lamp standard of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment wherein the lampstandard of FIG. 1 is installed within a HVAC system;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary lamp module;

FIG. 5 is another exemplary embodiment of a lamp standard;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the lamp standardof FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the lampstandard of FIG. 5 installed within a HVAC system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments and isnot intended to represent the only forms in which the exemplaryembodiments may be constructed and/or utilized. The description setsforth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing andoperating the exemplary embodiments in connection with the illustratedembodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalentfunctions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodimentsthat are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a lamp standard 100.Broadly, the lamp standard 100 may be composed of a stand body 101, aplurality of lamp modules 105 coupled to the stand body 101, and one ormore power modules 107. As shown in FIG. 1, the stand body 101 has agenerally X-shaped cross-section formed from intersecting walls. Theintersecting walls of the stand body 101 define a plurality of channels102. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the stand body 101 has a generally X-shapedcross-section to define a polygonal structure. More specifically, thelamp stand body 101, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, depict a generallysquare perimeter. Accordingly, lamp modules 105 may be placed on one ormore of the four sides of the lamp stand 101. As those skilled in theart will appreciate, two or more walls may be used to define a pluralityof polygonal shapes such as a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, orother shapes known in the art.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the channel 102 isgenerally V-shaped. In alternate embodiments, the channels 102 may berectangular or otherwise shaped to define a channel. The channels 102are sized to house wires (not 1o shown) that are associated with thelamp module 105 and the power module 107. The stand body 101 alsoincludes a plurality of grooves 103 that span along the longitudinalaxis of the stand body 101 and are adjacent to the channel 102. As shownin FIG. 1, the grooves 103 are continuous along the length of the standbody 101, but in an alternate embodiment, the grooves may beintermittent (i.e., span shorter distances). The stand body 101 may alsoinclude a through-hole (not shown) that allows for the power sourcewiring (not shown) to be coupled to the power module 107. As shown inFIG. 2, the stand body 101 may include a plurality of notches 200 thatare provided within the channels 102. The notches 200 are positionedsuch that they are in-line with an opposing corner of the channel 102.

Turning back to FIG. 1, the lamp module 105 is fastened to the standbody 101 by fastening members 104. In one exemplary embodiment, thefastening members 104 may be screws. As those skilled in the art willappreciate, the fastening members 104 may be bolts, clamps, and/or othercoupling means. According to one exemplary embodiment, the lamp module105 is secured to the lamp stand body 101 and is configured such thatthe lamp bulb 106 extends from a lamp module such that it isperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stand body 101. In analternate embodiment, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, thelamp module 105 may be configured such that the lamp bulb 106 extendsfrom the lamp module 105 in a direction that is substantially parallelto the longitudinal axis of the stand body 101. In yet another exemplaryembodiment, the lamp module 105 may be configured such that the lampbulb 100 extends from the lamp module 105 at an angle.

Additionally, one or more power modules 107 may also be coupled to thestand body 101. The power modules 107 may be electrically coupled to oneor more lamp modules 105. According to one exemplary embodiment, thepower module 107 may be able to accommodate one to twenty-four lampmodules 105. However, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, otherexemplary embodiments of the power module 107 may be utilized that canhandle more than twenty-four lamp modules 105.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, a plate 108 may be placed within thechannel of the stand body 101. In alternate embodiments, the plate 108may be secured over the channel via screws along the grooves 103. Theplates 108 provide protection for the wiring looms for the various lampmodules from the potentially degradative effects of the UV light. Thatis, the plate 108 may be inserted into the notch 200 and the opposingcorner to cover the wires in one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates two lamp standards 100 that are fixed in an HVACsystem. The lamp standards 100 are secured in the HVAC system by a lowermounting bracket 301 and an upper mounting bracket (not shown).Additionally, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the lampstandard 100 has a plurality of lamp modules 105 mounted thereon andcoupled to a power module 107. The lamp modules 105 are situated on thelamp stand body 101 such that the lamp bulbs 106 extend along the x-axisand the z-axis of the HVAC vent. In other exemplary embodiments, thelamp standard 100 may include lamp modules 105 that have lamp bulbs 106that only extend in the x-axis, the y-axis, or the z-axis, orcombinations thereof.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the lamp module 105. The lampmodule comprises a cover 400 and a housing 403. The housing is agenerally rectangular structure that defines a cavity that is capable ofholding within the lamp module 105, a lamp bulb plug 402 and a means 401for supplying power to the lamp bulbs is provided therein. As thoseskilled in the art will appreciate, the lamp bulb plug 402 may besubstituted to accommodate the various types of lamp bulbs 106 that areknown or used in the art. According to one exemplary embodiment, thelamp bulb 106 may be an ultraviolet lamp bulb. In another exemplaryembodiment, the lamp bulb 106 may be a UV-C germicidal lamp.Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the lamp bulb 106 is a double-tube,double-ended lamp bulb. In another exemplary embodiment, the lamp bulb106 may be a single-tube, single-ended lamp.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a lamp standard500. The lamp standard 500 is composed of a first body shell 501 and asecond body shell 502. The first and second body shells 501, 502 may becoupled together to define a cavity (as shown in FIG. 6) in which tohouse the lamp modules 600 and power modules 806. The body shells 501,502 may be coupled together with fasteners such as, but not limited to,screws, rivets, or the like. The body shells 501, 502 may be mirrorimages of each other and may be made from sheet metal. In otherembodiments, the body shells 501, 502 may be made from tubing and/orextrusions. In an alternate embodiment, the power module 506 may bepositioned on the outside of the lamp standard 500. In various exemplaryembodiments, the power modules 506 may be electronic or magneticballasts.

Additionally, a plurality of openings are spaced along the length of thebody shells 501, 502. These openings are sized to allow the lamp bulbs505 to protrude therethrough. According to one exemplary embodiment,lamp bulbs 505 are staggered as shown in FIG. 5. In alternateembodiments, the lamp standard 500 may be configured such that theopposite lamp bulbs 505 are substantially planar. As shown in FIG. 5,the lamp standard 500 is capable as shown to house six pairs of lampbulbs 505. In alternative embodiments, the lamp standards may be sizedto house one or more lamp bulbs depending on the intended application orduct size. The lamp standard may also include a top-mounting bracket 503and a bottom-mounting bracket 504 to provide at the ends of the lampstandard 500 and facilitate the installation of the lamp standard 500within HVAC ducting 700, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

In another aspect, exemplary methods of using the lamp standards aredisclosed herein. According to the exemplary methods, the variousembodiments of the lamp standard may be used in forced air heatingand/or cooling systems to minimize airborne and/or surface microorganismcontaminants. In one exemplary method, the lamp standard may be mountedin a duct for airborne applications. In another exemplary method, thelamp standard may be mounted in a duct for surface applications. Thelamp standard is mounted within the duct that prevents exposure tocomponents such as, but not limited to, plastic flexible ductcomponents, polyurethane foam insulation material, rubber hoses, andwire insulation. If mounting options are limited, UV sensitive materialscan be protected with UV resistant material such as, but not limited to,aluminum foil, aluminum duct tape, metallic shields, or the like.Additionally, the lamp standard should be located within the duct suchthat the lamp standard brackets 1o may be mounted on the floor and theceiling of the duct.

Once the location is determined, the UV dosage required for the desiredlocation is determined. The desired UV dosage is determined by thenumber of lamp modules (and concomitantly number of lamp bulbs) and thenumber of lamp standards required for the space within the duct. Forsurface applications, if more than one lamp standard is required for theintended application, the distance between lamp standards isapproximately 32 inches and the space between rows of lamp bulbs isapproximately 12 inches to approximately 18 inches. If more than onelamp standard is required for the intended application, the distancebetween lamp standards is approximately 32 inches and the space betweenrows of lamp bulbs is approximately 24 inches for surface applications.As those skilled in the art will appreciate, other factors such as airtemperature within the duct, air velocity, and duct reflectivity arealso taken into consideration when ascertaining proper UV dosage.

While the present invention has been described with regards toparticular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations ofthe exemplary embodiments may be devised without departing from theinventive concept.

1. A lamp standard for mounting in an air handling system, comprising: astand having a plurality of channels, wherein the channels span alongthe longitudinal axis of the stand; and a plurality of lamp modulespositioned over the channels, wherein the lamp modules comprise ahousing and a lamp bulb extending from the housing, and wherein wiringassociated with the lamp modules are positioned within the channels. 2.The ultraviolet lamp standard of claim 1 wherein stand further comprisesa first groove and a second groove, wherein the first groove and secondgroove are positioned on opposite sides of the channels.
 3. Theultraviolet lamp standard of claim 2 further comprising a top mountingbracket and bottom mounting bracket coupled to a top end and a bottomend of the stand, respectively.
 4. The ultraviolet lamp standard ofclaim 3 further comprising one or more power junction modules coupled tothe stand, wherein the one or more power modules are electricallycoupled to the plurality of lamp modules.
 5. The ultraviolet lampstandard of claim 3 wherein the lamp bulb is an ultraviolet lamp bulb.6. The ultraviolet lamp standard of claim 1 wherein the plurality oflamp modules are configured so that the lamp bulbs are coaxial.
 7. Theultraviolet lamp standard of claim 5 wherein plurality of lamp modulesare configured so that the lamp bulbs are nonplanar.
 8. The ultravioletlamp standard of claim 1 wherein the stand further comprises at leastone through hole positioned on at least one end of the stand.
 9. Theultraviolet lamp standard of claim 1 wherein the plurality of channelsare generally V-shaped.
 10. An ultraviolet lamp standard for mounting inan air handling system, comprising: an elongate stand having a firstwall intersecting a second wall to form a first pair of opposingchannels and a second pair of opposing channels, wherein the first pairand the second pair of channels span along a longitudinal axis of theelongate stand; a plurality of lamp modules coupled over the channels todefine an enclosed space, wherein the lamp modules comprising a housingand an ultraviolet lamp bulb extending from the housing; one or morepower junction modules coupled to the stand, wherein the one or morepower modules are electrically coupled to the plurality of lamp modules;and a top mounting bracket and bottom mounting bracket coupled to a topend and a bottom end of the stand, respectively.
 11. The ultravioletlamp standard of claim 10 wherein the stand further comprises a throughhole positioned on at least one end of the stand.
 12. The ultravioletlamp standard of claim 11 wherein a plurality of covers are positionedover exposed portions of the channels.
 13. The ultraviolet lamp standardof claim 10 wherein ultraviolet lamp bulbs on lamp modules positioned onopposing channels are coaxial.
 14. The ultraviolet lamp standard ofclaim 10 wherein ultraviolet lamp bulbs on lamp modules positioned onadjacent channels are nonplanar.
 15. An ultraviolet lamp standard formounting in an air handling system, comprising: a stand having an innersurface, an outer surface, and a plurality of openings spaced along alongitudinal axis of the stand; and a plurality of lamp modules coupledto the inner surface of the stand, wherein the lamp modules comprising ahousing and an ultraviolet lamp bulb extending from the housing andthrough the openings of the stand.
 16. The ultraviolet lamp standard ofclaim 15 further comprising a top mounting bracket and bottom mountingbracket coupled to a top end and a bottom end of the chamber,respectively.
 17. The ultraviolet lamp standard of claim 16 furthercomprises one or more power junction modules coupled to the innersurfaces of the first stand body or the second stand body, wherein theone or more power modules are electrically coupled to the plurality oflamp modules.
 18. The ultraviolet lamp standard of claim 15 wherein theultraviolet lamp bulbs are coaxial.
 19. An ultraviolet lamp standard formounting in an air handling system, comprising: a first stand body and asecond stand body, the first and second stand body having an innersurface, an outer surface, and a plurality of openings spaced along alongitudinal axis of the first stand body and the second stand body,wherein the first stand body and the second stand body are coupledtogether to define a chamber; and a plurality of lamp modules coupled tothe inner surfaces of the first stand body and the second stand body,wherein the lamp modules comprise a body and a ultraviolet lamp bulbextending from the housing and through the openings on the first standbody and the second stand body.
 20. The ultraviolet lamp standard ofclaim 19 further comprising a top mounting bracket and bottom mountingbracket coupled to a top end and a bottom end of the chamber,respectively.
 21. The ultraviolet lamp standard of claim 20 furthercomprises one or more power junction modules coupled to the innersurfaces of the first stand body or the second stand body, wherein theone or more power modules are electrically coupled to the plurality oflamp modules.
 22. The ultraviolet lamp standard of claim 19 wherein theultraviolet lamp bulbs are coaxial.
 23. A ultraviolet lamp standard formounting in an air handling system, comprising: a first stand body and asecond stand body, the first and second stand body having an innersurface, an outer surface, and a plurality of openings spaced along alongitudinal axis of the first stand body and the second stand body,wherein the first stand body and the second stand body are coupledtogether to define a chamber; a plurality of lamp modules coupled to theinner surfaces of the first stand body and the second stand body,wherein the lamp modules comprise a body and a ultraviolet lamp bulbextending from the housing and through the openings on the first standbody and the second stand body; and a top mounting bracket and bottommounting bracket coupled to a top end and a bottom end of the chamber,respectively.
 24. A method for minimizing contaminants within a heating,ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising: providing alamp standard of claim 1; locating the lamp standard within the HVACsystem; determining a dosage of ultraviolet light within the HVACsystem; and mounting the lamp standard within the HVAC system.
 25. Themethod of claim 24 further comprising adding a second lamp standardwithin the HVAC system.
 26. The method of claim 24 wherein determiningthe dosage of ultraviolet light comprises: determining the number oflamp modules affixed to the lamp standard; and spacing the lamp moduleson the lamp standard.
 27. A method for minimizing contaminants within aheating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising:providing a lamp standard of claim 19; locating the lamp standard withinthe HVAC system; determining a dosage of ultraviolet light within theHVAC system; and mounting the lamp standard within the HVAC system. 28.The method of claim 27 further comprising adding a second lamp standardwithin the HVAC system.
 29. The method of claim 27 wherein determiningthe dosage of ultraviolet light comprises: determining the number oflamp modules affixed to the lamp standard; and spacing the lamp moduleson the lamp standard.